Interviews
Zio & Sons Brings Old World Charm to Isola Wine & Tapas
An exclusive Q&A with designer Anthony D’Argenzio on his newest hospitality concept and how lighting played a central role.
At Hudson Valley Lighting Group, we believe lighting is more than form and function—it’s about creating mood, elevating experience, and supporting the full guest journey. That’s exactly what designer Anthony D’Argenzio of Zio & Sons achieved with Isola, a new hospitality project in Kinderhook, NY. We sat down with Anthony to discuss the design strategy behind Isola, including how fixtures from his Zio & Sons x Mitzi Tastemakers Collection helped bring the concept to life.
Q: Designing a Destination: What inspired you to open Isola?
A: I’ve always been drawn to history, and 16 Hudson St in Kinderhook, dating back to 1787, is rich with it. Whenever I take on a new project, I let the setting and structure shape the design—this time, inspired by the character of historic Kinderhook. Working with my former partner, I wanted to bring her vision to life: an homage to the old-world European coast. The goal was to create the feeling of stepping into a centuries-old tavern in a distant place—while of course keeping modern comforts in mind.
Q: Naming the Space: What’s behind "Isola"?
Isola means 'island' in Italian, and every wine on the menu comes from the islands and coastal towns of Europe. The food program draws inspiration from those regions as well, with local ingredients woven in whenever possible. The entire concept is meant to transport—to Sardinia, Catalonia, the South of France—without ever leaving New York.
Q: The Regional Connection: What role does Hudson play in your vision?
Hudson is just 20 minutes away, and both towns share a love for design, history, and authenticity. Isola is a quieter counterpart to the Hudson dining scene—off the beaten path but thoughtfully curated. We wanted to create a complementary destination with its own personality.
Q: Creating the Atmosphere: What makes Isola feel unique?
The space is cozy and layered with texture. I sourced antiques from both the South of France and upstate New York to give it a collected, lived-in feel. Tile from my collection with Clé Tile, furniture from Industry West, and paint from Farrow & Ball—everything was selected to support a warm, tactile experience.
Q: Lighting for Hospitality: How did you use your Mitzi collection at Isola?
We used the Beverly from my Zio and Sons x Mitzi Tastemakers Collection. Its shape offered the classic refinement I was looking for, and the aged brass finish brought a beautiful warmth. I designed these fixtures to be both character-rich and durable—something that not only looks good but also holds up in a hospitality environment. That’s where form meets function.
Q: Setting the Mood: What was your lighting philosophy for the space?
I aimed for simple and moody. We intentionally kept the lighting dim to highlight the quality of the materials—brass, glass, natural wood. It’s all about creating intimacy and ambiance, which is especially critical in hospitality settings.
Q: Design Evolution: What did you learn from this project as a designer?
This was my first foray into hospitality, and it really pushed me to think about operational flow and durability. It was a challenge in the best way—and it sparked a new passion for commercial design. I’d love to take on a hotel next.
Lighting That Elevates the Guest Experience
From intimate wine bars to large-scale hospitality projects, Hudson Valley Lighting Group provides designers with the tools to bring their vision to life. The Zio & Sons x Mitzi Tastemakers Collection is fully shippable, specification-ready, and built with contract-grade durability in mind—making it ideal for designers looking to blend character with capability.
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